As Debbie Stone, an Office Manager for Alberici's Canadian division, is celebrating her 25th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, she shared some of her experiences with Alberici.

Describe the path that brought you to your current role?

I interviewed for a full-time position with Ryco-Alberici for a position at Ford Windsor. lthough the position was guaranteed for only 18 months, Ryco-Alberici seemed like the right fit for me. Here I am writing about it 25 years later. I worked in an administrative role at the Ford facilities in Windsor for almost 12 years, together with several people who remain close to my heart. From Ford, I moved to Chrysler, before travelling to Goreway in Brampton, Chrysler Brampton, Hillsdale Structures, Stone Church in Hamilton, Highland Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant in Scarborough, BioAmber in Sarnia, and then back to FCA in Windsor. I am currently in Sterling Heights, MI as an Office Manager/Financial Coordinator for ACI, where we are working as Construction Managers for FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automotive).

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

I enjoy experiencing the differences between the U.S. and Canada, and the fact that after 25 years I am still learning. I am understanding and learning the Italian culture and language, as our current Owner is from Milan, Italy. We have been working at the FCA Paint Shop for over a year, and last week I witnessed the painting of the first box. I was in awe of the robotics and the whole process. I was proud knowing Alberici played a big role in making this happen.

What do you like most about working at Alberici?

I feel great satisfaction after working so hard to complete a project, while achieving goals and milestones. I enjoy the learning environment and making each project interesting and challenging. It’s a good feeling to go home at the end of a day knowing you have accomplished something and are making a difference. I am grateful to be working with amazing people, some new and some from past projects, and to get to do it over and over again. Each new project is a new experience and that makes going to work every day enjoyable.

What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

There are a number of instances where working at Alberici made me proud, and I had to go back a bit in my career for this one. While working for Alberici at Ford TMEP, I was able to help Ford recoup millions of dollars of government grants for infrastructure. It took hours of hard work and I was very proud that Ford recognized it by mentioning myself and Alberici in a letter to both Ford Executives and Ryco-Alberici Management.

In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?

I’ve never worked on a project that I didn’t like. The project that stands out for me more than others is the Sarnia BioAmber project. My role was to track millions of dollars of civil, mechanical and electrical time and equipment work. Everything about the project went smoothly, from start up to close out. It didn’t hurt either that Sarnia is not far from Ipperwash, Ont., a small beach town, where I spend as much time as I can in the summer!

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

I’d say bring your energy and eagerness, represent Alberici with integrity and professionalism, and learn from others with experience. Every project is different. You’ll face many challenges along the way and every time you’ll be stronger because of them. Work hard and remain loyal and you’ll reap the benefits. Alberici encourages growth and cares about every employee. There is no other place I’d rather work.

Brian Ellsworth, Financial Manager with Alberici, is celebrating his 10th anniversary at the company this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked him to share a little about his time in the industry.

There are many things you can do as an accountant. How did you end up in the construction industry?

My father is a retired tradesman so I’ve been around construction my whole life. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University, I took an accounting position with a small, family-owned construction company in Topeka, Kansas. I’ve been in the construction industry professionally since that time.

How does accounting for a construction company differ from accounting with another industry?

Accounting is the measurement, processing and communication of financial information. Accounting can be divided into many fields, like financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and tax. What I find interesting about the construction industry is the variety of projects. No two are alike, each with their own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Speaking of variety, in your time with Alberici, you’ve gotten to work with several different groups. Do you enjoy that?

I’ve worked with many of the Alberici Markets – Kienlen Constructors, Hillsdale Fabricators, Food & Beverage, Heavy Industrial, and Building and Healthcare. I’m currently working with two Flintco Divisions – Austin and Memphis.

There were many iconic projects along the way - Colts Stadium, Olmsted Dam, Seabrook, LPV-111, Holcim Cement, MOX and PyraMax to name a few. I was fortunate to be able to visit many of these projects during construction. With Flintco, I travel frequently to the Memphis and Austin offices. I have been able to make several site visits and spend time with the project teams at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Graceland projects in Memphis and Seaholm and Baylor Business School projects in Austin just to name a couple.

How have things changed since the beginning of your career?

Technology and the speed of, and demand for, information have changed dramatically. We operate today where a premium is placed on accurate, ‘real-time’ information. Generally, I think the level of collaboration and communication across organizations has improved as well.

What advice would you give someone just beginning a career on the business side of the industry?

Get involved with as many aspects of the business as you can. Share your experiences. Engage those around you. Collaborate with your co-workers when and where you can to arrive at the best possible solution.

Sean Thibeault, Vice President in Alberici’s Canadian division, is celebrating 16 years with Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked him to share about his time at Alberici and in the Industry.

You’ve been in the construction industry for 23 years. How has the industry changed during that time?There have been many advancements in equipment, software, materials, construction techniques, technology etc. however communication is the highest on the list. If you look at the tools we have, in a very short time we have gone from cell phones that were the size of a brief case to now using iPhones, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and everything you need electronically at your fingertips. It’s amazing how many people you can keep in the loop and at the rapid speed we operate.

You’ve been involved in a diverse group of projects ranging from automotive plants, to water treatment facilities, to power plants. How has this diverse experience helped you?Our diversified portfolio is one of the things that makes Alberici a great company. To be afforded the opportunity to work in multiple markets has been one of the greatest benefits and challenges in my career. I learn something new every day. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with great teammates, dealt with a wide variety of owners & engineers and liaised with every possible trade union. I learned new construction techniques, worked in interesting geographical locations with varied climatic challenges. Most importantly, I learned how to keep my head on a swivel while driving through deer and moose infested country.

In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?They were all good projects. If you take a step back and look at what we do day in and day out, it’s very impressive. Where else can a group of teammates receive a set of documents that someone has conceptualized then build it in remote locations, safely and on time? That’s something I am proud of.

Our business can be described as “time sensitive construction” with a new challenge every day. There are always challenges, the unexpected, and a few head scratchers. Having said that, isn’t that why we do it? The challenge.

What piece of advice would you give someone just starting out in the construction industry?Take one day at a time and find a good mentor or teammate you can talk with. I’ve been fortunate to have several great mentors who have been a tremendous resource. I run ideas by them, hear their perspectives and observe how they manage situations. The best mentors are those who don’t tell you want you want to hear, but rather provide you with a different perspective and allow you to draw your own conclusion for the right answer. I borrowed that line from a fortune cookie.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?Construction has always fascinated me. What we do is very unique. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. As a child I used to hang around construction sites and watch the heavy equipment in operation while houses and structures were being built. Big excavators, cranes, and other large equipment drew my attention. As I got older it shifted to the sequencing of construction. I would often ask myself “how did they build that?”, then try to figure out how it was done.

To this day when I see a building, power plant, bridge, old church, etc., I always think to myself, “how do all those pieces go together?” An example of this is when I ruined the tour guide’s day at Stonehenge (yes the Stonehenge in England). He commented that no one knows how this was built. I took this as a challenge and figured out a pretty simple way to do it. By the end of the tour I shared it with the group. He couldn’t counter the idea and needless to say was not pleased with me. The secret to building Stonehenge is “free labour”. You can move a lot of dirt with free labour.

Vladimir Maslev, Senior Project Manager, is celebrating 15 years at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked him to share some thoughts about his time at Alberici.

In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?

Actually, it is my current project, a brewery expansion in Mexico. The size and complexity of the project along with the interaction of talented US and international professionals who come from different backgrounds brings many challenges but also many rewards. Seeing our team’s commitment to the success of the project and giving the client the opportunity to meet market demand is fantastic.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Every day brings new challenges. I have had great mentors at Alberici who have taught me not to leave today’s work for tomorrow. I enjoy ensuring we perform to the client’s satisfaction and bring new business to Alberici. In the end, you make lots of friends who enrich your life.

What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

To see the continuous growth of Alberici along with my personal satisfaction that I have made my contribution. It is rewarding to drive by a building and share with your kid that you were part of team that built it. Also, prioritization of safety has made a great leap nationwide, and Alberici’s safety policy and our commitment to executing the work in the safest means possible to achieve Zero Incidents has made us a leader in safety.

What do you like most about working at Alberici?

I enjoy the culture. Our core values enshrine the idea of “providing opportunities for exceptionally fulfilling work”. I find working at Alberici incredibly fulfilling.

How has the construction industry changed since you started?

The schedules are shorter while the clients are more sophisticated. On the other hand, the widespread computerization has taken some of the everyday technical burden off of our shoulders. For example, the scheduling and project management software that we use now streamline our processes on a job site.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

Be humble and respectful, yet be persistent in reaching your goals and chasing your dreams. And always ask for help when you need it.

You’ve worked in a variety of markets, but mainly building/healthcare and industrial process. How are those two markets similar and how are they different? What do you like about working with each market?

The markets and clients are different but the end goal is the same – we have to meet or exceed client expectations. Each market has influenced me in a different way with respect to skills and thinking. For instance, in the building/healthcare market, I learned the steps to close a building and complete the interior finishes. That experience helps me in the current project now and in the industrial process market in general.

You have an engineering degree, but you also have a master of management and an MBA. How have your business degrees been helpful to you?

I would encourage anyone to pursue a graduate degree because graduate education provides the opportunity to see business from a different perspective. For me personally, managerial and financial accounting, operations management, and legal and ethical studies significantly influenced my professional development. My graduate education also provided the foundations I needed to obtain project and quality management professional certifications.

If you were a piece of construction equipment, what would you be and why?

I guess I would be an excavator. It’s a machine that works slowly, but it unavoidably completes its task.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time so far at Alberici?

Working at Alberici has been a great journey so far for me, and I am looking forward to future fulfilling challenges.

Jessie Jiang, Accounts Payable Specialist at Alberici’s office in Burlington, Ontario, is celebrating 10 years at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked her to share some thoughts about her time at Alberici.

What do you enjoy most about your role as an A/P Specialist?

I enjoy processing payments for suppliers and employee expense reimbursements as quickly as I can to make them happy and satisfied. A satisfied vendor is important for Alberici’s reputation and to ensure we are able to make future purchases. I also enjoy meeting deadlines to finish financial reports for month end, problem-solving, brain storming with my supervisor and negotiating with vendors.

Describe the path that brought you to your current role.

I started as a payroll clerk with Alberici as a co-op student when I studied at Mohawk College in 2004. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to obtain a position as an Accounts Payable Clerk when I graduated in 2005.

What do you like most about working in the construction industry?

As we like to say around here, “We Build Ontario.” A busy construction industry helps to keep the economy strong and Canadians working! I like the variety of interesting work Alberici performs and appreciate the encouragement and opportunities we have to visit our jobsites. I was so proud to visit the Toronto Airport site last month to observe part of the installation of the new luggage conveyor system.

What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

The company culture and family atmosphere have affected me in a very positive way. I am most proud of working for a company that provides the opportunity to learn and grow. Over the past ten years many changes have occurred, and I am proud of my confidence and ability to face new challenges and acquire the skills necessary to succeed. It seems that I learn something new every day.

If you were an office supply, what would you be and why?

I would like to be a computer. Computers are always changing and evolving to become better, faster and more efficient. Plus, they are capable of storing and maintaining much more knowledge and information than the human brain ever can!

Senior Estimator John Olsen is celebrating 20 years at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked him to share some thoughts about his experiences at Alberici.

In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?

My favorite project was the River 7000 Project - Selma Plant for Buzzi Unicem. This project was a wet to dry process conversion at an existing cement plant. It involved difficult excavation in rock, complex concrete placement, steel erection of multiple structures of which included a 400’-0 Preheater Tower, installation of 5 stage twin string pre-calcyner system, 2 prototype mills, an 18’-0 diameter x 212’-0 rotary kiln, clinker cooler and a myriad of other equipment and material handling systems. The new process line was commissioned just shy of 35 months from the start of construction. Being involved in the estimate/award process as well as being a part of the on-site management team was extremely fulfilling. Not only were we able to overcome a multitude of challenges but we also successfully juggled the many moving parts associated with the project- all on a relatively small footprint.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

I enjoy having the opportunity to take an Owner’s concept/design and assist in herding it through the entire project delivery process - from a request for proposal, through the design/estimate development process, to award negotiations, to subsequent procurement/contract issuance activities and finally to on-site management and commissioning. Seeing pages of paper come to life is the ultimate reward.

You’re a Certified Professional Constructor. Can you tell us about that certification and how it’s helped you in your career?

This certification is offered through the American Institute of Constructors and consists of passing an 8 hour comprehensive examination which tests candidates on their overall understanding of the project management and delivery process. Certification benefits all parties involved in the construction industry. The Owner receives assurance that their projects will be managed more effectively; they can use it as a means to pre-screen potential contractors; and Owners know that their contractor management team will maintain the highest level of professionalism. For an Employer, it serves as an independent assessment of an employee’s skills and knowledge; improves marketability to clients; and it provides assurance that employees will continue to hone their skills through the required Continuing Professional Development program (32 CPD hours in a 2 year cycle). For the Certified Constructor, it provides international recognition of construction management skills and knowledge; it is an analysis of individual strengths and weaknesses; enhances the Constructor image as a professional to their employer, their clients and the public; and it provides a marketable credential that sets you apart.

You’ve worked in a number of different markets in your time at Alberici (Energy, Industrial Process, Food & Beverage, Mining, Building). Have you enjoyed that diversity of experience? How has that breadth of experience influenced you?

I’ve very much enjoyed the diversity of experience. Exposure to multiple markets has offered a unique perspective into various processes and types of construction. Gaining insight into a broad array of means and methods has provided invaluable knowledge and experience to take forward to future projects.

What do you like most about working at Alberici?

The family atmosphere and corporate values/philosophies are aligned with my own ideologies. As an Alberici employee, I aspire to build trust and personify experience and maturity while being energetic and open to new ideas. I also try to display confidence and a can-do attitude while showing passion for our work. The family atmosphere and corporate values in tandem with the extremely talented individuals employed here set Alberici apart and places them on the highest bar.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

Have a positive attitude; display a quiet confidence in your abilities; acquire knowledge from experience and learn from mistakes (they will be made); be flexible in your approach; build relationships and foster them with honesty, integrity and reliability; seek a mentor and be a “sponge”; and last but not least, aspire to be great!

Senior Project Manager Jim Beckerle is celebrating his 35th anniversary at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked Jim to share some thoughts about his experience.

In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?

I have several favorites projects. Melvin Price Locks and Dam 26 was my first job, and I was in awe at all of the new equipment we bought for the project.

I enjoyed working on the three plant model changes that Alberici completed at Chrysler Belvidere from 1986 to 2006. Starting projects at the beginning of the construction scope development was a new way of doing business, and the owner completely trusted Alberici, knowing we were the contractor to follow through and complete the work.

The Holcim Ste. Genevieve Cement Plant is a recent favorite of mine simply because I was able to focus exclusively on the work in the field.

What do you enjoy most about your current role as Deputy Project Director at the Olmsted Dam project?

I enjoy being the lead Alberici representative and selling the resources Alberici has to offer to our joint venture (JV) partner and the owner. Hopefully exposure to the Alberici culture will positively influence the other members of our project team.

You’ve been at the mega-project, Olmsted, for a number of years. Can you share a little bit about your experience there? What makes this project different from others you’ve been on?

The size and scope of the project are amazing. Everything is big—including the largest Super Gantry Crane in the world and the 10-million-pound loads that the crane moves. There have also been a number of engineering innovations developed at the site to accomplish building the first “in the wet” navigable inland river dam.

What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

I am most proud of being with Alberici for this long and being a team member at one of the top construction firms in the country.

What do you like most about working at Alberici?

I’ve always liked the small, family-owned atmosphere Alberici has to offer. Although we are a much larger company now than when I started, access to top management is not intimidating and that family-owned atmosphere still exists.

How has the construction industry changed since you started?

I think the two things that have changed the most are the attention we, as an industry, pay to safety and increased documentation of what you do in the field.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

I would advise someone just starting out to get as much field experience they can and to get experience in the many markets and geographical areas Alberici serves.

Bud Freeze, Director, Business Acquisition for Alberici Constructors Ltd. (ACL), is celebrating his anniversary this month. Bud joined Alberici’s Canadian predecessor company, RYCO, in June of 1973 as an estimator. He spent much of his career in estimating working his up to the role of Estimating Director, then Director, Operation Services managing support services for the safety, quality control, project controls, tools and equipment and purchasing departments. Now as Director, Business Acquisition, Bud develops new business opportunities.

In honour of Bud’s anniversary, we asked him to share some thoughts and experiences from his career.

You spent much of your career in estimating – what did you like about estimating and why did you choose that path?

I’ve been very competitive much of my life, especially through my participation in sports, and I enjoy the competitive nature of construction estimating. The thrill of victory is often tempered by the agony of defeat, so to be an estimator you must have thick skin. It is important to learn from losses as they outnumber the wins.

What do you like most about your current role as Director, Business Acquisition?

I most enjoy the variety of responsibilities in this role. I have always been curious by nature and this role includes sleuthing out opportunities and creating and enhancing business relationships (particularly on the golf course).

In your time at Alberici, you’ve been involved in dozens of projects - which project was your favourite and why?

I would say that my favourite project was Alberici and RYCO’s first joint venture project: the 1990 Stamping Plant addition to Chrysler’s Assembly Plant in Bramalea, Ontario. The project was a very successful start to a relationship that eventually led to the acquisition of RYCO by Alberici in 1997. I distinctly remember the contract pre-award meeting in Detroit and how Alberici’s President and RYCO’s president worked together extremely well, foreshadowing good things to come.

What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

I am most proud of my involvement with recruiting and hiring staff with the right cultural fit to grow the Alberici team.

In addition, I’m proud of the length of my tenure; the growth of ACL’s portfolio of projects in the water and wastewater sector; and raising the profile of ACL’s quality assurance and quality control management system, including obtaining our N285 nuclear certification.

I also enjoyed my time spent as Director, Operations Services where I came to appreciate the importance of contributions of the sometimes overlooked quality, tools and equipment and purchasing departments.

Lastly, I enjoy representing ACL at the various local and provincial construction and labour association events…including golf outings where I’ve scored 2 hole-in-ones!

How has the construction industry changed since you started?

The biggest change has been in technology. I started out using a slide rule, then a calculator the size of an old typewriter, then teletypes, faxes, computers and cellphones. Now we have BIM and 3D printing is on the horizon, which was unimaginable when I first started in the construction industry.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your career at Alberici?

Choosing a career in the construction industry at Alberici has been very beneficial, and for that I am grateful. If you have a strong work ethic and produce good results, Alberici will reward you.

It has always been important to me to appreciate the small things each day, taking the time to smell the roses and having some fun along the way.

After graduating from Murray State University in 1980, Dave joined Alberici as an Estimator. He spent a year in estimating before moving into the field to work on a lead mine project for ASARCO in Viburnum, Missouri. After two years on the road, Dave returned to St. Louis where he climbed the career ladder from Project Engineer to Project Director. In the late 80s and early 90s, Dave worked on major projects for Monsanto, Saint Louis University, St. Mary’s Hospital and Ameristar Casino.

In the late 90s, Dave was Project Director for the BJC’s Siteman Cancer Center. While managing this project, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Market Leader for the Buildings and Healthcare division.

After serving as VP/ML for five years, Dave took on a new assignment and relocated to Burlington, Ontario as President of Alberici Constructors, Ltd. (ACL).

In honor of his 35 years at Alberici, we asked Dave to share some thoughts and experiences from his career.

How has the construction industry changed since you started?

Technology has changed the construction business and the speed at which we all work. When I started with Alberici, it was all paper and pencil - no personal computers, no cell phones, no internet. On my first out-of-town project I experienced the new technology of a fax machine to process timesheets. Handheld calculators cost around $250. Carbon paper, mailing letters and Saturday morning meetings with Gabe was the norm. Adapting to the computer revolution has been the biggest change in my career.

What are you most proud of from your time at Alberici?

In 1980, Alberici’s annual revenue was $109 million with one office at 2150 Kienlen Avenue. We had 127 employees. We worked primarily in states contiguous to Missouri. Now, we’re a $2 billion corporation with 13 offices and approximately 1,300 employees working on major projects throughout North America. I’m proud to have been part of that growth. I’ve had the chance to work in operations in multiple markets, and I have also been fortunate to work on the management side of our business. During my tenure, I have worked with four different presidents.

What do you like most about working at Alberici?

I’m proud to be associated with the Alberici name due to its outstanding reputation in the construction business and the one-of-a-kind, record setting billion dollar projects we construct including Olmsted Dam in Paducah, KY, Constellation Brands Brewery in Mexico, Holcim Cement in Ste. Genevieve, MO and Vale Long Harbour in Newfoundland, Canada. Additionally, I like and value our open door policy where egos are checked at the door. The culture still has a family feel to it where trust, integrity and respect are paramount between employees.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

At ACL, I moved away from the building/healthcare proposal driven markets to the industrial GC lump sum "rip and read" market. This was a challenge but provided an opportunity for personal and corporate growth. In my current role, I enjoy hiring employees and being part of their mentoring, training, development and personal growth. Alberici continues to raise the bar and hires the best of the best.

Do you have a favorite project from your years at Alberici?

Probably the most unique, challenging and enjoyable project was the Ameristar Casino. During the three-year project, we built barges in the middle of the Missouri River, welded them together and assembled two casinos on top of them. From a logistical standpoint, you’re at the mercy of the river. We had to keep the casino open at all costs during the 1993 floods. We built a 4,000 car parking garage in 9.5 months in the Missouri River floodplain. We were transporting workers and material by amphibious “ducks” to keep the projects on schedule. When I drive by the casino and other projects I have worked on, it’s a gratifying feeling to know Alberici has been part of so many significant landmarks.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

Whether you have a passion to build locally or travel and work in multiple markets, this is a great Company to check all the boxes. In recent discussions with an Alberici employee who volunteered to go to Mexico on the Constellation Brewery project, I asked if he was looking forward to it. He responded by saying at 24 years old he’s very fortunate and thankful to have the opportunity to work on the largest brewery in the world.

Do you have anything else you’d like to share?

Work hard, have fun, stay healthy and enjoy life - that’s what I like to do. To me, humor in the workplace is extremely important. I have a quote from Anthony Robbins on my wall: “Live life fully while you’re here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up, you’re going to anyway; you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problems and eliminate it. Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.”

Project Manager Tom Waters is celebrating his 35th anniversary at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked Tom to share some thoughts, experiences and advice.

1. In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?

When I was in junior high, there was news about the building of a new lock & dam in my hometown of Alton, IL. I said to myself that I wanted to build that lock & dam someday. Eight years later, after graduating high school and college, I was hired by J.S. Alberici Construction Co. and assigned to the lock & dam project. It was a dream come true and everyone from my hometown could see that I worked for this huge construction company with all this brand new red and white equipment on display in the middle of the Mississippi River. I was proud then, and I still am 35 years later.

2. What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?

I am proud to say that I have worked for one great company for 35 years. Working for one company for your entire career is rare and reflects loyalty from both sides.

3. What do you like most about working at Alberici?

I appreciate the dedication of the people that work at Alberici and the strong reputation that we have approaching 100 years old.

4. How has the construction industry changed since you started?

Mainly, technology has changed. Imagine being on a jobsite with no cell phones, no computers, no emails, no electronic documents and using real carbon paper for copies.

5. What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?

• Safety First, there is always a safe way to perform the work• Remember that you always represent Alberici in your actions and your words• Be Humble• Be a Problem Solver• Be Honest• Be Fair• Always look for efficiencies in everything• Read and understand the contracts (Owner Contracts, Subcontracts and Labor Contracts)

6. In your career, you’ve worked in many different industries, how has this diverse experience helped you?

I have always told people that I have been on many “once in a lifetime jobs” (lock & dam, car plants, St. Louis football stadium, hospitals, water treatment plant and nuclear plant). I have been fortunate to work with a large company that is so diverse and has given me all this experience. The diversity helps keep me motivated and makes me still feel like a kid. It is neat to drive around St. Louis and point out to friends that Alberici built that.